Matthew 27:15-23

Amplified Bible

¹⁵ Now at the feast [of the Passover] the governor was in the habit of setting free any one prisoner whom the people chose.^{(A) 16} And at that time they were holding a notorious prisoner [guilty of insurrection and murder], called Barabbas. ¹⁷ So when they had assembled [for this purpose], Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to set free for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” ¹⁸ For Pilate knew that it was because of jealousy that the chief priests and elders had handed Jesus over to him.

¹⁹ While he was seated on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous and innocent Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” ²⁰ But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. ²¹ The governor said to them, “Which of the two do you wish me to set free for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” ²² Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all replied, “Let Him be crucified!” ²³ And he said, “Why, what has He done that is evil?” But they continued shouting all the louder, “Let Him be crucified!”^(B)